A Dirty Dozen with NICOLA NOLLI of MODELL – May 2024

According to a recent press release: “Rome-based band Modell is back with a sonic explosion. Their new album, Turning Point, blends contemporary pop, electronica, and neo-soul into a whirlwind journey that transcends space and time. Following the success of their single “Reaching the Sky,” the album delivers twelve tracks that pulsate with neo-soul grooves and electro-pop beats. Each song is expertly crafted, weaving in elements of travel, culture, and emotional connection. Dive into a kaleidoscope of sound. Catchy melodies, walking basslines, dreamy funk-jazz guitars, and soulful vocals paint a vivid picture. Surprise rhythmic elements keep things fresh, while vibrant vocal harmonies and trumpets add depth and dimension.” We get founding member Nicola to discuss new music, influences, and more.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Turning Point is an intimate journey considering the spectrum of human emotions. A variety of sounds that you listen to during the day. I love mixing some ambiance and music so I added jungles, cities, and music from inside the nightclub. I thought about taking listeners inside these places for a complete listening experience.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

When I was a child I remember being enchanted by the music. My granddaddy was a double bass and accordion player. He was my guru and who made me fall in love with music and I realized that I wanted to play an instrument. I was like… “What gorgeous these bass lines!!”

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Someone like Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones as a producer and composer.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

At this time I’d like to be in the studio with Ye + Quincy Jones + Damon Albarn.

5. What is your favourite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

I usually go running, watch movies (also for my job – sound designer and sound editor), and hang out with my Roman friends.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

It’s not easy to describe it. It’s like a recipe. I cooked this stuff with ingredients I love. Jazz / Soul / R’n’B / Electronic / Dark Ambient.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Dunno yet because we have never been on the road or in an environment for a long time except for the rehearsal room. The band was formed recently.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I’m not a person who get dazzled by someone easily.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

For real, it’s the best job ever, cause it’s so creative and it makes me feel like I can write an emotion drawing it with your instrument. However, if I hadn’t been a musician and an audio-post engineer probably I would be an architect. Lines and shapes. Lights and materials. I like reading and watching and thinking about shapes and lines and different architectural spaces and their functionalities.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I’m tired of superficial and trivial questions like ‘What’s your genre?’. I’m happy about this interview cause it’s deeper than all the others!

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Yes, I should have studied more music theory to face up better improvisation and go deeper into music composition but now I’m getting back to the whole theory.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

In the 60’s / 70’s The Dark Side Of The Moon – Pink Floyd, 80’s Thriller – Michael Jackson, and in the 90’s Grace – Jeff Buckley.

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Category: Interviews